Buffalo Sabres: 5 Observations for the All-Star break

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WASHINGTON, DC – DECEMBER 15: Rasmus Dahlin #26 of the Buffalo Sabres shoots in front of John Carlson #74 of the Washington Capitals during the first period at Capital One Arena on December 15, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

4) Power Play needs to improve

One of the biggest criticisms of the Sabres this season, has been how reliant the team has been on just a few players to carry the scoring load. As such, when those few players have off nights it impacts the outcome.

As a result, the Swords enter the All-Star break with just 140 goals scored. Even allowing for the fact all 31 teams have played anywhere between 48-52 games, ranking just 22nd in goals for is not good enough.

Another aspect not helping the team, is their lack of effectiveness on the power play. As things stand they rank just 21st, with a success rate of only 17.0 percent.

Here’s the kicker though, the Sabres’ best power play unit consists of the five players who have the most points for the team this season. In theory, shouldn’t this combo be even more productive when playing with a man advantage?

In respect of the law of averages, you at least have to believe the lineup of Eichel, Skinner, Sam Reinhart, Rasmus Ristolainen and Dahlin can only improve; there’s too much talent for them not to. Sabres fans can only hope the team uses this break to reset and revitalize the game plan for the power play.

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